How do you protect yourself when you have a web site built?

Here is a list of a few things you’ll need to make sure you truly own your site & files. It’s a basic list — if you have any comments, please let me know.

1. Make sure the domain name is registered in the name of the company and not your web designer. The contact information should be up to date. Check WHOIS at NetSol, GoDaddy.com, and Register.com.

2. Make sure you are the owner of the web hosting contract.

3. Change your passwords to the FTP site where you host your files once any 3rd party designer/programmer is wrapped up with his/her work.

4. Change any passwords for the content management system, if one is in place.

5. Make sure that you have a local copy of your web site files. Your hosting provider should have the back-up systems in place, but we like to be extra careful.

6. Ask your designer for the source files for any graphic or other media files. Many designers will keep these files on their computers since uploading them to the site serves no purpose. You’ll want these when it comes time to edit the files.

7. If your site uses any third party tools or systems, make sure you know where they came from, if you own the code, and how you would migrate to another designer and/or web host.

8. Does your contract specify whether you own the code? Many designers and their contracts do not specify this — so it could be a point of contention if you decide to leave them.

9. If you use a solo designer or small firm, question them on what you should do for service if they are not available. If the designer decides to take a vacation and you need something, a trusted referral will help in a pinch.